Scotland defender has been told he's unlikely to play for the Villans again and has the experience Championship Trotters need after a spate of injuries

Push the Hutton: Villa are poised to finally get their Scotland full-back out the door

Aston Villa’s forgotten man Alan Hutton is in talks with Bolton about a deal for the rest of the season.

Scotland right-back Hutton should end his exile on Friday by joining Dougie Freedman’s Championship side on loan in time for Saturday's derby against Blackburn.

Hutton has been out of the Villans’ plans for the whole campaign after returning in the summer from a successful stint on loan with Real Mallorca in Spain.

Now the 29-year-old is poised to help out Freedman, who wants an experienced player after losing Matt Mills and Darren Pratley this week.

The deal for Hutton was being finalised on Thursday night as the clubs sorted out how to split his £40,000-a-week salary between them.

Bolton definitely need the former Rangers and Spurs defender signed as they are down to the bare bones at the back and their squad overall is stretched by a spate of blows.

Pratley’s season could be over - because a screw snapped in an old shoulder injury. The midfielder ‘popped’ his shoulder at the weekend and hoped he would be fit to carry on but may now need an operation that will rule him out for months.